Mary Muliett, DABSJ President and CEO (Courtesy, DABSJ)
Leading provider of child welfare and human services in West Michigan, D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s (DABSJ), has launched a distinctive Independent Living Plus (ILP) program. ILP is a transformative initiative designed specifically for youth aging out of foster care.
This program, situated on the DABSJ campus, aims to provide a safety net and specialized assistance to address the youth’s unique challenges.
“Youth aging out of foster care without a guardian or adoptive parent are embarking on adulthood without the supportive network many of us are fortunate to have had,” said Mary Muliett, DABSJ President and CEO. “It’s a vulnerable position that requires specialized support, and that’s exactly what our Independent Living Plus program aims to provide.”
Research has consistently shown that youth aging out of foster care face heightened risks, including homelessness, human trafficking, and incarceration. This is an alarming phenomenon known as the foster-care-to-prison pipeline.
Breaking the cycle
ILP home, inside view (Courtesy, DABSJ)
With the ILP program, DABSJ seeks to break the cycles put forth by the system and provide a supportive bridge into adulthood.
“We want the youth to be independent but not alone,” said Muliett. “By living in a home right here on the DABSJ campus, youth can easily connect with the supports they need, whether it’s a coach helping them pursue college and careers, peers they can connect and build community with, or therapy and psychiatric care.
“They get to develop their goals and dreams – so it’s care provided for them, not for them.”
Rewriting futures
ILP residents will have access to on-site coaching, therapy, medical/psychiatric support, and the full amenities on the DABSJ campus.
ILP home kitchen (Courtesy, DABSJ)
The program is open to youth ages 16-19. Residents must be referred to the program by a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services or agency foster care case worker.
To begin, the program will operate out of one home serving eight residents. It will then expand on campus.
“We have recognized the need for a specialized Independent Living Plus program for a considerable time,” Muliett said. “All too often, these youth risk falling through the cracks.
“Our program is a beacon of hope, providing a safety net and a circle of support to ensure they survive and thrive as they transition into adulthood. This is more than just a program; it’s a commitment to allowing youth to rewrite their futures.”
To learn more about DABSJ’s Independent Living Plus program and access referral information, click here.
About D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s
D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s is a nonprofit that provides a full continuum of care for children and families, including foster care, adoption, family preservation, behavioral health, child psychiatry, and residential programs. DABSJ impacts more than 14,000 lives annually with safety, advocacy, and support.
Financial resolutions are one of the top two resolutions people make at the beginning of each year. Yet 95% of financial resolutions are not met.
Many families have acquired a “debt hangover” as they move out of the holiday season and into the new year. New financial resolutions are made to get their financial situations on track, but rarely met.
This often compounds the problem, adding even more debt.
“Our relationship with money affects how we treat money,” says Livingston.
Livingston went on to say that debt hangover is often created from not living within your means, but is compounded by not preparing properly.
“It’s people not checking and balancing, not planning right, being impulsive – there are just so many things,” says Livingston.
Make purchases within your means (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
When making purchases such as a home, many people buy with “stars in their eyes.”
“They want the pretty, shiny thing instead of the reality of where they’re at,” says Livingston. “That’s how people end up being house poor and living paycheck to paycheck.”
Those living paycheck to paycheck often have to finance special occasions – such as Christmas – on credit cards. This can take years to pay off.
Wages are also not keeping up with the cost of living.
The median (average) household price in Kent County and Ottawa County and the median household income are not equal.
“Debt hangover is not only an issue every holiday, but because people just don’t make enough money,” Livingston says.
Is there a solution?
Continual financial literacy and financial education are part of the solution.
Though there is a wealth of financial resources and knowledge available, financial education in school systems is lacking.
Financial problems will come – be sure you are ready (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Even with so many resources available to us, people have so many things they don’t understand when it comes to financial literacy,” says Livingston. “And because they don’t know, they make mistakes.”
Fixed debt vs. revolving debt, debt stacking and fixed interest rates are some options for paying off debt.
The first step, however, is to put a plan in place. That plan should include an emergency fund, a short-term needs fund and a long-term needs fund.
“Getting rid of the debt is important, but what’s also important is making sure that you’re consistently filling your emergency fund,” says Livingston. “It’s not a matter of if you’re going to have a financial issue, it’s a matter of when.”
At times, multiple sources of income – even for the short term – might be needed.
Patience will also be needed since results are not instant. Instead, those results build into a compound effect.
“Many people get so narrow-focused that the only thing they can focus on is debt,” says Livingston. “What you focus on grows.”
Budget = Freedom
Control your money, don’t let it control you (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“Some people think budgets put handcuffs on them,” says Livingston. “It doesn’t put handcuffs on you, it helps you understand where the money is coming from and where the money is going.”
For 19 years, Livingston lived paycheck to paycheck. She finally decided to track her spending to understand where the money was going.
“Once I understood the pattern of how spending was happening in my household, I realized I was the problem,” said Livingston. “And I was the solution.
“In nine months, I had shifted my spending and it allowed me to buy brand-new furniture for cash. I now controlled my money instead of my money controlling me, and it gave me freedom.”
Don’t give up…break it down
“Sometimes you might feel like you want to just give up,” says Livingston. “But you can make it happen.”
Livingston admits that changing mindsets may be hard work, but taking big dreams and breaking them down into smaller pieces can help.
“It’s not about perfection,” says Livingston. “All you need to do is focus on your progress; it’s really about progress.”
Seeing progress through tracking can help keep you motivated (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
How do we focus on progress?
“You can’t change everything all at once, so pick a max of three things that you’re working on and track them,” says Livingston.
Why do we need to track progress?
“We need to track our progress because our mind plays tricks on us,” Livingston says. “Especially at the end of the day, we want to give up.”
Livingston suggests tracking those three things for 90 days, remembering that – if you fall off the wagon – it’s not about perfection, it’s about the progress that you are making toward your goals. Progress is found in each small step.
Gratitude is an important part of the financial process (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Gratitude = Less Debt??
Tracking the things you are grateful for is also important.
“I have a journal that I write in. Every day I write three things that I’m grateful for,” says Livingston. “Sometimes they’re financially related, sometimes they’re not.
“But when you’re focused on what you are grateful for, believe it or not, you spend less money.”
An outside perspective
For those unsure of what to track or where to begin, partnering with a financial advisor can help.
“Sometimes it takes an outside eye to take a look at what you’re doing, and point out those things that you’re missing,” says Livingston. “When we’re so close to it, we can miss it.”
Living debt free is possible with a plan (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Living debt free
“It doesn’t matter if people have $10,000 of credit card debt or $100,000, they can be debt free – if they don’t accumulate anymore debt – in less than four years,” says Livingston.
It starts with a budget, then an emergency fund, a plan and sticking to the plan.
Above all, Livingston says, remember: “You’re the boss of your money.”
For more information on Primerica’s financial services, click here.
A champagne toast on Jan. 24 marked the 100th birthday of the Women’s City Club (WCC) of Grand Rapids.
A century of friendship and community outreach was celebrated with a centennial birthday luncheon in the Blythefield Country Club ballroom. The event served as the kick-off event for a year of planned activities highlighting WCC’s legacy.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
And though some may think that the WCC is simply a social club, a closer look reveals that the Club is much more than a “coffee clutch,” as WCC President Wendy Sturm says.
“The City Club has had a great impact on the community of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm. “Not only have we lasted, we’re relevant.”
An historic footprint
“In 1924, a group of women in the community – the shakers and movers – got together and decided that there was a need for women to get together, be able to socialize, network with their interests, with their careers,” says Sturm. “And that was the very beginning of the Women’s City Club.”
Previous WCC President Kathleen Ray says that women were attracted to the WCC because it provided opportunities for women to learn, communicate and network with other women at a time when that option was scarce.
One of the WCC’s historians, Marcie Woods, is intrigued by the diversity of the founding members.
“Diversity today seems to be boiled down to a racial issue, but they were so diverse in education, background, social class and occupation,” says Woods. “But they were all united in wanting a place where they could just be women.”
The WCC has stayed strong throughout the years for many reasons.
“In addition to being forward-thinking, the members of the Club have always been strong, creative leaders who are willing to invest their time and talent in the organization,” says Ray. “Flexibility and ingenuity were regularly used when facing challenges.”
That ingenuity was seen in the early years when the WCC convinced the telephone company to conduct a survey of Club membership about what programs they would like to see aired. The Club also accepted military payment certificates (script) as payment for dues and lunches during WWII, and converted all programs and events to Zoom during the pandemic.
“The city is our clubhouse”
Judge Sara Smolenski, special guest and long-time favorite of the WCC, gave the keynote presentation in honor of her late mother, a WCC member.
“When you think about ‘Cheers to 100 Years,’ you’re thinking of all the things the Women’s City Club has done over the years,” says Smolenski. “You travel around this great city, and that’s where you have your celebrations.
“The enrichment programs you have, the community outreach…it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Judge Sara Smolenski, keynote speaker (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Enriching lives
Sturm says there is a lot of enrichment and fulfillment to be found in the WCC, with education being a primary Club goal.
“We attend these fabulous lectures, and learn together,” says Sturm. “It provides a lot of experiences that you might not otherwise have.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“It stimulates you intellectually, socially, it provides a network of friendship that is really important.”
The WCC’s Enrichment Committee provides an abundance of programs for Club members. All programs relate to the Club’s mission statement: to provide educational, civic and social activities through study, community service and friendly associations.
“We have very well-rounded programming,” says Ray, citing programs about science and nature, arts and entertainment, philosophy, positive communication skills, fashion shows, book clubs, a Maj group, outreach opportunities – and more.
“We are not just little old ladies playing bridge,” Ray continues. “We are active, intelligent women who represent a wide variety of interests and passions.”
Making a difference
Equally important to the WCC is giving back to the community. This is accomplished through various nonprofits, charities and local schools.
The annual Impact Award was developed in conjunction with Union High School to provide an opportunity for high school juniors to win a cash scholarship.
WCC President Wendy Sturm welcomes members (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We wanted to provide an award that would inspire juniors to the next level, to reach out, to develop their skills and abilities and get ready for whatever path they choose in life,” says Sturm, adding that the award can be used in any way the winning student sees fit, without stipulations.
To apply, students present a piece of work that reflects a person that has had a great impact on their life to that point.
“[The work] can be music, it can be written, it can be artwork – however they can express themselves,” says Sturm. “We didn’t want to put people in a box and only have one type.
“We wanted to open it up so they can express themselves in any unique way, have an opportunity to be recognized, and have an opportunity to develop those skills.”
The scholarship winner is honored with a celebration lunch where they have an opportunity to talk with the WCC members.
“One of the most remarkable experiences I’ve had with the Women’s City Club is watching these juniors come up to the podium,” says Sturm. “They’re so nervous and timid, and their voices are very small – and as we engage them with our questions and our interest, they blossom.”
Their greatest legacy
“Our greatest legacy is that, for over 90 years, we had a historic home in Grand Rapids called the Sweet House,” says Sturm. “That was our clubhouse, and we wanted that to be taken care of for perpetuity.”
Diane Jones (left) chats with a guest (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Sweet House Foundation was formed with the sole intent of preserving the Sweet House and its contents.
“The WCC donated property, house, and contents – which included valuable paintings, musical instruments, and architectural details – and established the 501 C3 foundation,” says Ray.
“Grand Rapids has a historic home built in the mid-1800s that is being preserved for the future generations of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm. “We do very impactful things in the community, and [the Sweet House] is one that will live beyond all of us.”
Friendship
Sturm went on to say that the Club women advocate for each other. “We respect each other; we really treasure each other.”
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Ray agrees, saying, “The Club has provided me with a group of friends who are supportive, interesting and fun! They are unafraid to be themselves and voice their opinion – even if you don’t agree – because they know it’s a safe place.
“They are respectful, encouraging, and highly motivated. This Club is all about relationships, and I treasure the ones I have at the Club!”
The WCC has adopted the pink rose – which symbolizes friendship – as their Club flower.
As a memento of the WCC’s 100 years and those friendships, the Club designed and launched a jewelry collection featuring the pink rose. Each piece is customized, personalized, and stamped with the Club’s birth year.
What’s next in the centennial celebration?
The 100-Year Planning Committee formed several years ago in preparation for this year, culminating in a variety of planned events.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
February will feature the launch of an online merchandise catalog for members.
“They are fascinated to have us as their guest to do this program and represent 100 years of women in the community of Grand Rapids,” says Sturm.
Kathleen Ray leads members in a toast (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
GRPM’s March 14 event will also feature the launch of “Our First 100 Years” history book written by WCC historians Carol Dodge and Marcie Woods. In addition to the book presentation, songs highlighting each decade will be performed on the piano.
The event is open to the public and free to attend. Free registration tickets for the event can be found here.
As 2024 progresses, the WCC will host a gala-style, red carpet event to recognize women throughout history who have been involved with the Club.
The centennial year will end with the WCC’s annual Evergreen Gala.
“We have a wonderful legacy that I hope people will come and learn about through our celebrations throughout this year,” says Sturm.
“Cheers to 100 Years” – a toast by Kathleen Ray (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Empowering women
“The group that we are today, we’re a very modern group of women,” says Sturm. “We’re shakers and movers in the community; we have a history of making things happen.
“And that was one of the reasons our group was founded. Leadership got together and wanted to socialize and make a difference – and they did.”
Interested in joining the WCC?
Individuals over 18 who are interested in becoming a member of the WCC may request an application from a member of the Club, the Membership Chair, or the Club Administer at wccgrbusiness@gmail.com.
Though the MHF has participated in the Expo for 10 years, this is the first time the Foundation will host the event.
“The reason that we decided to take it on after we were approached last year was because this is a winter event that focuses on family, togetherness and community connection,” said Jessica Jones, Communications Director for MHF. “Those are all aspects of our organization that we promote within families.
The Expo will focus on overall family wellness (Courtesy, MHF)
“We’re really trying to tap into the community and promote good mental health.”
The Expo will look similar to previous years with additional enhancements and a focus on overall family wellness. Community resources information, hourly wellness presenters, and fun interactive and educational experiences for the entire family will be available during the event.
“The Expo helps provide that little bit of escape from the winter,” said Jones. “Families are trapped inside together if the weather hasn’t been great. Changing the scenery in the winter can be more empowering than we realize.
“This gives the family an opportunity to get out, be together and have some fun.”
What to expect: new and original features
A new aspect to the Kids & Family Expo will be that all attractions and rides are included in the ticket price.
All attractions and rides are included in the ticket price (Courtesy, MHF)
“There’s no extra nickel and diming once you’re in, which was really important to us,” said Jones.
New attractions will include the Pirate’s Revenge swinging boat and Turbo Tubs, which can accommodate both kids and adults.
“The Empowerment Stage is something new this year, and we have a rotation of fun things that are happening there,” said Jones.
Included in that rotation is WOOD TV8 Chief Meteorologist Ellen Bacca presenting the popular Weather Experience. There will also be several story times for children.
John Ball Zoo will be providing animals for patrons to enjoy (Courtesy, MHF)
“We’re going to be pushing out the be nice.action plan: notice, invite, challenge, and empower,” said MHF Founder Christy Buck in an interview with eightWest. “We’re going to be reading books to kids, and they can sit and listen to a book being read and how N.I.C.E. is implemented in this book.”
Additional activities include: a petting zoo, ponies, jumbo activities, a fire engine and police car, a photo booth, archery, face painting, snake petting and more.
Various information from community organizations will be available at the Expo in addition to activities and rides. Each resource distribution station will also feature an activity.
“We’ve got all this good information, all these great resources packaged, and a whole lot of rides and fun and games for the whole family,” said Buck on eightWest.
Expo = Positive Impact
Activity and FUN can help improve mental health (Courtesy, MHF)
Everything that we do in our lives, Buck said, has to do with our overall health and mental health.
Weather, nutrition and finances are also factors that play into mental health. The Expo will have presentations and information about each of these factors.
Jones said that events like the Expo can help improve mental health for some people.
“Being active, having things to look forward to, feeling empowered following some kind of activity or event, anything that makes you feel good,” said Jones.
“For kids, these are memories that they’re going to make as they have fun with the rides. Parents are going to make memories by being with the kids and providing this experience for them.”
Families can find a multitude of resources at the Expo (Courtesy, MHF)
Resources and links
Tickets for the Kids & Family Expo can be purchased at the door or online here or here.
Food insecurity impacts over 261,000 people in West Michigan and the Upper Peninsula alone. Wyoming High School (WHS) has teamed up with Feeding America West Michigan to provide free nourishing food for those in need.
There are a variety of reasons food insecurity exists, and anyone can experience a period of that insecurity and need.
“We are seeing the need for food amongst our families increase,” said Joy Pratt, Wyoming School Community Coordinator. “This past fall, we were able to feed 110-120 families monthly, but sadly, had to turn families away as we ran out of food.”
Working together to eradicate hunger
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry for several years, rotating locations between elementary school buildings.
For the last few months, WHS has become a consistent host site, and will continue to host the Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS January Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, Jan. 22 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
WPS is working to help meet a basic need in the community (FeedWM)
“Moving the Mobile Food Pantry to the high school has allowed us to serve more families, cause less disruption to neighborhood traffic, as well as sort and package food inside the building versus outside in the elements,” said Pratt.
With some families financially stretched to the breaking point, picking up 40-50 lbs. of food for free has a far-reaching impact. WPS has seen that impact firsthand.
“What we know to be true is that if we want our kids to learn, their basic needs have to be met first,” said Pratt. “Kids who are worried about not having enough food at home typically don’t learn as well as kids who don’t have that worry.
If something as simple as WPS/WHS hosting a monthly Mobile Food Pantry can alleviate that worry, even a little bit, it’s a no-brainer.”
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry. Some examples include: yogurt, cheese, milk, almonds, grapes, bananas, potatoes, rice, beans, macaroni, baked goods, apples, onions, carrots, ham, bread, bagels, cereal, granola, strawberries, and cream cheese.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Make an impact – volunteer!
Just a few hours of time can make a substantial impact (FeedWM)
Community volunteers are always welcome and can sign up for January and February Mobile Pantries using the following links: January 2024 / February 2024
“Just giving three hours a month of their time has a significant impact on 170 families in their community,” said Pratt. “When you consider the time you give, and weigh it against the impact you make, volunteering to help at the Mobile Food Pantry is a worthwhile endeavor.
“If we all give a little, we can make big things happen.”
Resources – learn more!
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Estimates suggest radon kills 21,000 people from lung cancer each year in the United States.
Radon is an odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas formed by the natural breakdown of uranium in the soil. It seeps into homes through foundation cracks, floor drains, and sump crocks. Radon gas can accumulate in basements or lower levels of homes, especially during winter months when houses are kept closed.
This makes January the perfect time to test your home.
How to detect radon
The only way to determine if elevated levels of radon exist in your home is to test for it.
(Courtesy, KCHD)
Kits are easy to use and testing can be completed in less than a week. Testing for radon is recommended every few years or after completion of certain household construction projects.
The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) is offering free radon test kits to residents throughout January, coinciding with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s designation of January as National Radon Action Month.
The radon kits are available to Kent County residents and must be picked up in person at any one of four clinic locations during regular business hours in January while supplies last. Click here for a list of clinic locations and hours.
Results and action options
Residents using the kits and the State of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) will receive the results. Residents can use the information when deciding on how best to pursue remediation, and EGLE gains a better understanding of the locations and prevalence of radon in Michigan.
EGLE Michigan Indoor Radon Results Map – see link below (Courtesy, KCHD)
For help understanding the test results, residents should the KCHD Environmental Health Division at 616-632-6900.
If elevated radon levels, above 4 pCi/L, are detected in your home, there are options to help reduce exposure. Radon mitigation systems are often installed to help vent radon gas collecting under a home to the outside atmosphere. Additional mitigation options include sealing cracks, gaps, and sump pits in a basement or installing vapor barriers.
Resource links
EGLE has developed a map of radon risk zones for Michigan. Kent County is typically categorized as having a moderate to high levels of radon.
Additional information about radon testing and how to remediate it can be found in these two KCHD podcasts:
Experience the enchanting allure of the classical ballet, Sleeping Beauty. Grand Rapids Ballet will perform the cherished tale at DeVos Performance Hall Feb. 23-25.
A traditional tale come to life
Sleeping Beauty shares the traditional tale of Princess Aurora.
From her birth, a curse by the evil fairy Carabosse foretells Aurora’s demise on her sixteenth birthday. Aurora enters a profound slumber, only to be awakened by true love’s kiss, as orchestrated by the benevolent Lilac Fairy.
(Courtesy, Kansas City Ballet / Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios)
With Devon Carney’s exquisite choreography that pays homage to Marius Petipa, the production will be accompanied by a live Grand Rapids Symphony performance of Tchaikovsky’s exceptional score.
Gorgeous costumes, sumptuous sets, and breathtaking dancing are a hallmark of this family-friendly classical ballet performance.
Come and celebrate!
In addition to the ballet, Sleeping Beauty’s Birthday Party will be held on Feb. 25 at DeVos Performance Hall.
(Courtesy, Kansas City Ballet / Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios)
The memorable royal gathering will be held from 12-1 p.m. Party guests can create enchanted crafts to take home, enjoy sweet treats, and meet Grand Rapids Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty.
Party wear, crowns and sparkles are encouraged to help celebrate Princess Aurora’s sweet sixteen.
Human traffickers prey on vulnerability – bringing them closer to home than most people realize.
Wedgwood Christian Services (WCS) is dedicated to preventing human trafficking by bringing awareness to the community and urging people to educate themselves on the dangers and signs of human trafficking.
Part of that education is recognizing the myths and truths surrounding human trafficking.
Not like the movies
Kali Jackson, Cook Claus Residential Therapist, Wedgwood Christian Services (Courtesy, WCS)
“One of the biggest myths that I see is that all human trafficking involves crossing of state lines,” said Kali Jackson, Cook Claus Residential Therapist, WCS. “A lot of times human trafficking is local, the community trafficking them within the city the individual lives in.”
Trafficking is not like movies often portray, with an individual smuggled or kidnapped by a stranger.
“A lot of times, an individual is groomed into willingly going into a relationship, but then they are manipulated to stay with physical tactics later on,” said Jackson.
Traffickers create relationships with their victims first.
“They become friends with them online, or it may even be a loved one or family member – but they have some sort of connection with that client.”
Jackson went on to say that the predator has to know about the victim’s needs in order to offer a solution, making the perpetrator appear safe. The predator then isolates the victim, causing the victim to feel that only the perpetrator can meet their needs.
“That’s how they get those clients to stay for so long,” Jackson said.
The bottom line?
“A perpetrator is looking for someone who’s vulnerable,” said Jackson.
As the therapist for Wedgwood’s residential home that serves human trafficking victims ages 12-17, Jackson is no stranger to seeing that vulnerability firsthand.
Predators look for vulnerabilities to exploit (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“I’ve been in this position for four years, and every story is so unique,” said Jackson. “But the one thing always in common is that vulnerability.
“Every single one of my clients, when they talk about why they got into human trafficking, [say] they felt unloved, they felt vulnerable enough to allow anyone to give them that love and attention.”
Many times, that vulnerability is found in younger children.
“Frequently their first experience with someone grooming them or attempting to get them into the life of human trafficking, it’s very young,” said Jackson. “We typically see individuals getting into trafficking between ages 12 and 16.”
A perpetrator is looking to provide them with something they can’t provide themselves. An older individual who has maintained employment, housing, or a stable relationship doesn’t have enough vulnerabilities for the trafficker to easily sustain.
A dysfunctional home life is one of the main catalysts for involvement in human trafficking.
“Maybe they’re running away from home, or they’re displaying images or messages online suggesting that they’re not happy at home,” said Jackson. “They’re looking to try to fill that void of the relationship they don’t have with their parents with anyone out there willing to give it to them.
Predators look for ways they can provide what victims feel they lack (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“[Predators] look for an individual who has some of those adverse childhood experiences, those traumas, and those vulnerabilities to feed off of.”
Once that relationship is built, the predator begins to abuse their power by making that client do sexual favors for them. That client often feels like they have to stay with them because their needs have been met by that perpetrator for so long, they don’t know how they will have shelter or food if they leave.
Fear of that perpetrator going after the victim’s parents, or doubt that their parents will believe them, can also cause the victim to stay.
Human trafficking on the rise
“There’s definitely been an increase in the amount of [trafficking] incidents that have happened over the past several years,” said Jackson. “The big thing that’s coming into play is technology.
“A lot of individuals are experiencing their first grooming incidents online. Displaying vulnerabilities on social media, having someone reach out to them, asking them to build that relationship…that may turn into human trafficking later.”
Not all chains trapping a victim are physical (Courtesy photo)
Jackson went on to say that a growing awareness of human trafficking has also caused an increase in incidents.
The knowledge that there is such a thing as receiving money, clothing, or shelter in exchange for services has caused victims to willingly enter trafficking situations while on the run from their family.
Psychological chains
Though many victims are physically locked down and unable to leave their situation, many times the chains are psychological.
“That is a myth in itself, that sometimes these victims physically are unable to leave, like they are chained up or behind locked doors,” said Jackson. “With a lot of my clients, they are forced to be in hotel rooms where they could walk out, but they’re fearful of what might happen [if they leave].
“Although the door isn’t physically locked, they have emotional chains on them.”
Trafficking stereotype
Though many people think traffickers are male, Jackson said that it is important to realize that women can also be perpetrators. Some traffickers work in groups consisting of both men and women.
“A lot of times we actually see women being the trafficker because they know that another woman would build trust with [the victim] easier than a male would,” said Jackson.
Stopping the cycle
Open conversations and a safe home environment are important (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Prevention of human trafficking, Jackson believes, begins in the home.
“It first starts with having, and modeling, positive relationships in the home,” said Jackson. “A lot of times when we see youth seek out that negative attention, it’s because they’re looking to fill that void they’re not getting in the home.”
Creating a safe space at home for children to give voice to their feelings is crucial.
Having open conversations with children about warning signs they should look for online is also essential.
“A lot of times when clients come to us, they have a lack of education growing up,” said Jackson. “So when they get trafficked, they don’t necessarily know what they are getting into.
“They really thought they were getting into a safe relationship, but no one ever taught them what to look for, what is healthy and unhealthy, and those dos and don’ts when talking to someone online or in the community.”
Jackson urges parents to be aware of current street language, their children’s social media use, and who their children talk to.
Educate yourself and others to help prevent this crime (Courtesy photo)
Red flags to watch for can include changes in a youth’s personal hygiene, the amount of cash they have on them, and evidence of sexual activity.
Continual education regarding human trafficking is encouraged.
“This is a topic that continues to grow, and there’s more information on it all the time,” Jackson said.
State Representative John Fitzgerald sat down with WKTV Journal Soundbites to recap “an exciting year in the legislature” and deliver a direct message to his constituents in District 83.
“I am a representative for this community, of this community, and I’m a conduit for information both from Wyoming, southwest Grand Rapids, and Byron Township to Lansing, but also the other way,” said Rep. Fitzgerald.
Bringing transparency to local legislature
Driven by a “listen first” mentality, Fitzgerald is also committed to transparency. And that means keeping his constituents “in the know” about legislative happenings that affect their communities.
One of the bills passed and signed into law under Fitzgerald’s guidance made the Affordable Care Act state law. This ensures that if federal law requirements to receive health insurance were ever preempted or withdrawn, quality healthcare would still be available to Michigan residents.
Fitzgerald’s bill was specifically aimed toward extending dependent care, allowing dependents to remain on their primary caregivers’ insurance until age 26.
“We also passed significant energy law reform that is going to put us on a track to 100% clean energy by 2040,” said Fitzgerald. “This legislation is going to really put us as the leader in the Midwest when it comes to clean energy.”
Included in the bill is language specifying a Kent County incinerator facility shutdown by 2040 due to health concerns surrounding that facility.
Looking ahead
Fitzgerald said he is currently working on increasing transparency and ease of understanding to the public via the Open Meetings Act.
Rep. Fitzgerald aims to increase transparency in legislature (Courtesy, WKTV)
“If you’ve ever seen the Open Meetings Act language, it can be kind of gray,” Fitzgerald said. “We don’t want gray. We want to make sure that there is adherence to the Open Meetings Act.”
Supporting families via family leave under the Affordable Care Act is also on Fitzgerald’s agenda.
“As somebody who has a young child in daycare, it’s a very expensive cost to Michigan families, and we want to make sure that we’re creating that environment to support [them],” said Fitzgerald. “My mission is that Michigan could be the best place to raise a family in the country.”
Education
With seven school districts in the City of Wyoming alone, and several more compiling District 83, education is also on Fitzgerald’s mind.
A new budget is a milestone for local schools (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
With so many public school districts with varying needs, a budget was passed in 2023 that Fitzgerald said is a milestone for the City of Wyoming and southwest Grand Rapids.
“One of those things that we passed [is] free school lunch and breakfast for all public schools,” said Fitzgerald, adding that they have already seen great implementation by local school districts.
Tax relief
Thousands of seniors, Fitzgerald said, are receiving an average of $1,000 back due to a pension tax return repeal and retirement tax repeal.
On the flip side, working families are receiving a tax credit.
“There were 8,400 (District 83) households who qualified for that last year,” said Fitzgerald. “We are now putting more money back in those 8,400 households.”
“Show me the money” – Tax dollars coming home
“We brought home almost $70 million into services and infrastructure and goods that are going to impact [and] amplify the lives of Wyoming residents,” said Fitzgerald.
“When polled,” Fitzgerald said, “Wyoming residents say, We want a place to call home, that we can identify as: that is Wyoming. We don’t have that.
“But the City has taken this on to say, we’re going to build a downtown multi-use walkable area, and we’re going to do that on 28th Street.”
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
$35 million is allocated to the Grand Rapids Fire Department to build a new station and training center on South Division Avenue.
“That is helping to support services that actually directly impact southwest GR and Wyoming,” said Fitzgerald. “When we need mutual aid, they’re coming into Wyoming as well.”
$5 million will help Special Olympics Michigan to continue their services and renovation of the former South Christian High School.
“It’s going to be the world’s largest Special Olympics training facility, right here in Kent County,” said Fitzgerald. “We want to make sure that those athletes are getting exactly what they need to help cut down on health disparities, to help cut down on mental health challenges.”
And finally, $4 million will help Godfrey Lee schools with a much-needed roof renovation.
“That is real money that went to Lansing, or went to Washington, and is coming home now to enrich the lives of Wyoming residents. That’s exciting, and that doesn’t happen without your input coming to me,” said Fitzgerald.
Serving at home: “I want to hear from you.”
Rep. Fitzgerald spoke with community members during a recent Wyoming Senior Resource Fair (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Being attuned to his duties in Lansing is important, Fitzgerald said. But he believes connecting to his community is equally essential.
“My duty is to the people here at home,” said Fitzgerald.
Offering opportunities for communication is a top priority for Fitzgerald.
“I hope that any and all of you join me when we have office hours on the second and fourth Mondays at Wyoming City Hall, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. I’m there, I want to hear from you, it’s an open door,” said Fitzgerald in a direct message to the community.
“Please come and engage, because you are what drives me. Your interests, your concerns, help to drive the work that we’ve discussed here today, and more.”
Recharging with family time
When asked what he does to recharge so he can continue his work in the legislature, Fitzgerald replied: “Right now, it is playing with my daughter.”
Fitzgerald went on to say that his perspective has changed since becoming a parent.
“Your priorities change, your mindset changes, you’re more empathetic, you’re more understanding of other people’s situations as well,” said Fitzgerald. “Really being with my daughter charges me up. Hearing her laugh now, and seeing her start to walk, that’s just incredible to me.
“So quite frankly, it’s quality family time that has really kind of helped to recharge me to go to those long days in Lansing, to make that commute day in and day out.”
A conduit and facilitator for residents
Fitzgerald urges residents to contact him with questions and concerns.
Rep. Fitzgerald wants to hear from residents (Courtesy, WKTV)
“I am your representative…a conduit for you to Lansing, and for the information in Lansing to come home to you. That’s what we do best, connecting people with local resources, state resources, or even federal resources, to make sure that your life is enriched and your government is providing you with what you need,” said Fitzgerald.
“We have a lot to be proud of, we have a lot to look forward to. I think that the future is very bright here in Michigan.”
Arbor Circle is inviting the community to a conversation about the impact of incarceration on our community, barriers and challenges faced by returning citizens, and ways to support returning citizens.
As our community commemorates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, join Arbor Circle at their third annual Growing Together event from 6-8 p.m. on Jan. 11 for a free panel discussion on the impact of incarceration in our community.
Honoring a legacy, impacting the community
Arbor Circle event panelists (Courtesy, Arbor Circle)
The panel discussion, presented in partnership with Civic Theatre, will take place at Wealthy Theatre with the option for guests to join in-person or virtually. While the event is free to attend, please register to help us plan: Event Registration.
Event panelists include Dee Dee Taylor, Founder and President of Taylor Made Re-Entry; West Michigan Works! Project Manager Wes Selent; Director of Cure Violence Grand Rapids and Member of City of Grand Rapids SAFE Taskforce Richard Griffin, and Mike Cole, Arbor Circle Clinical Manager.
“Bringing this important conversation to our community honors the legacy of Dr. King,” said Enid Gaddis, Director of Equity & Inclusion at Arbor Circle. “The impact of incarceration is felt by individuals, families, communities, and across systems.
“Our panelists will be exploring this impact from diverse perspectives, which include their lived experience and roles as service providers. I am excited to be part of the conversation.”
Don’t leave yet – there’s more!
As an extension of our Growing Together event, Arbor Circle is partnering with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre as they launch their production of Clyde’s, running Jan. 19-28.
(Courtesy photo)
This modern play explores the tremendous hurdles formerly incarcerated folks experience in life outside prison walls. Themes include safe housing, employment, specific support for women of color, and more.
Learn more about the show, Community Resource Night on Jan. 25, and the “pay what you want” opportunity here: https://www.grct.org/clydes/.
The panel discussion is sponsored by Veneklasen Construction, Fifth Third Bank, Grand Valley State University, Horizon Bank, Hungerford Nichols CPAs + Advisors, Mika Meyers PLC, PCE Systems, Sytsma Wealth Strategies – Raymond James, and Urban League of West Michigan.
The scholarship program empowers individuals enrolling in college or vocational training programs. Your year-end contribution will help establish the fund and enable more individuals to achieve their dreams.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Why should you donate?
Contributions to the scholarship fund, KDL says, are an investment into the education of future local leaders, innovators and contributors. This helps strengthen and build a stronger local community.
Financial constraints often hinder individuals as they pursue higher education. Donations break down those barriers and provide opportunities to those who need it.
“Education is the cornerstone of a thriving community,” KDL says in supplied material. “By supporting our scholarship program, you are helping to build a stronger, more educated community that benefits everyone.”
Contributions and spreading the word
KDL hopes to raise $200,000 or more by June 2024. All contributions, no matter the size, make a difference.
“Every dollar brings us one step closer to supporting another aspiring student,” says KDL (supplied).
Sharing KDL’s message with friends, family and networks has the potential to increase lives impacted with the scholarship program.
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Contact and donation information
Those with questions or requests for more information are urged to reach out to KDL at 616-784-2007 or contact@kdl.org.
KDL thanks the community for your generosity and commitment to the future of our community: “Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are eager to learn, grow and make a positive impact on the world.”
Kent District Library (KDL) is encouraging adults to get “On the Same Page” with reading. KDL is introducing a new initiative to bring people together around one book, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett.
“At KDL, we love reading and we love people, and On the Same Page will bring two of our favorite things together,” said Hennie Vaandrager, Programming and Outreach Manager at KDL. “Many people feel lonely, and this program is designed to provide connection and enjoyment.”
On the Same Page will include numerous events around Kent County. There will be book discussions, programs featuring themes in the book, and a Meet the Author event at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, April 24 at the Covenant Fine Arts Center at Calvin University.
Free registration for the Author Event will be required and will open on March 15. To sign up for updates and reminders, visit kdl.org/samepage.
Compelling storytelling and rich characters
Ann Patchett is a celebrated American author. Known for her compelling storytelling and rich character development, Patchett has received critical acclaim for novels such as Bel Canto and Commonwealth. With numerous literary awards and a reputation for thought-provoking narratives, she has made a significant impact on contemporary fiction.
Tom Lake has been described as both “quiet and reassuring” (New York Times) and “poignant and reflective” (Kirkus Reviews). It is a beautiful and moving novel about family, love and growing up that takes place on a cherry farm in Traverse City, MI during 2020.
How you can read Tom Lake
Because Tom Lake is now the book that everyone is reading, KDL has purchased many copies to keep the hold times as short as possible.
KDL has 670 regular print copies, 50 large print, 76 eBooks and 61 audiobooks in its collection. Tom Lake and Now is Not the Time to Panic are also available through KDL’s Talking Book and Braille Center in both audio and Braille formats.
On the Same Page participants should also sign up for KDL’s Let It Snow Winter Reading Club, which runs from Dec. 1 – Feb. 29.
(Courtesy, KDL)
Adults and teens (grades 6 and up) who read six books in various categories will receive a collectible mug. One of the categories is “Ann Patchett Title.” Those who read an additional four books will be entered to win a Kindle Scribe. Learn more at kdl.org/snow.
On the Same Page is offered in partnership with Calvin University’s January Series. To learn more, visit kdl.org/samepage.
Released in September 2023, 100 Things is an ode to the town Bareman fell in love with 20 years ago when she moved to Holland, Michigan.
A native of the Wyoming-Kentwood area, Bareman had only been to Holland once during her childhood – while on a school field trip to see the De Klomp Wooden Shoe & Delftware Factory.
“That was my sole experience with Holland,” says Bareman. Many years later, Bareman met her husband, got married and moved to Holland. “In the short time after moving to Holland, I just fell in love.”
The artsy, close-knit community calls to Bareman. Being a college town, Holland also offers a variety of events throughout the year.
“We have a lot of really cool events and tons of parks,” says Bareman. “It’s just a beautiful town, and right on the lakeshore.”
How Hip Grandma with a Camera was born
Bareman loves to travel and make friends at every stop (Courtesy, Veronica Bareman)
Bareman’s love of photography founded Veronicajune Photography. Over the years, she became known as “the girl with the camera.”
“Whenever I would show up I would have the camera, so people would laugh about that,” says Bareman.
Five years ago, Bareman began blogging about photography – and welcomed her first grandchild into the world.
“People started laughing and saying, ‘Oh, you’re the grandma with a camera,’” says Bareman. “Then I had a friend who took one look at me and said, ‘You can’t be the grandma with the camera. You’ve got pink hair, you’ve got to be hipper than that. You’re a Hip Grandma with a Camera.’”
Between the pink hair and Bareman’s energy level, Hip Grandma with a Camera stuck.
A life shift: becoming a travel blogger
The photography blog led to traveling as Bareman’s five children grew up and moved out of the house.
“Life has a way of just kind of morphing here and there,” Bareman says. “All of a sudden, I find myself in this travel space where I’m traveling.”
And wherever Bareman travels, her camera goes as well.
People often miss what is right in front of them in their own communities, says Bareman (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Invited into communities across the country, Bareman visits destinations and then posts on social media about what the communities have to offer.
At every travel destination, Bareman chats with hotel employees and waitstaff at local establishments. They always ask why she is in their town, and Bareman replies that she travels to see what that town has to offer.
The travel blogger says the responses are overwhelmingly similar: We don’t have anything to see or do around here.
“No matter where I go, this is what people say,” says Bareman. “We’re all so busy thinking about where we should go next, and what plane we should get on.
“If you just look around, most communities have a ton of things to see and do.”
Bareman believes she was given a unique perspective on her own community because she moved to Holland as an adult. Instead of taking the town’s offerings for granted, she embraced each new opportunity to explore what was right in front of her.
“We just kind of take it for granted that ‘Someday we’ll go see that, but we’re planning something else right now,’” says Bareman. “It’s definitely a phenomenon. It happens everywhere, not just here in West Michigan. It happens all over the country.”
An ironic revelation
Then, almost two years ago, Bareman realized the irony attached to her travel blog.
“I’m writing about everything and I come home to the best town…why haven’t I written extensively about Holland?” Bareman asked herself.
Bareman realized she had never written about the place she loves most (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Bareman found the response from her previous travel destinations was the same response she found in Holland.
“People don’t know what’s within twenty minutes of their own back door,” Bareman says.
That revelation led the travel blogger to contact publishing company Reedy Press.
“They have a series of 100 Things books,” says Bareman. “I pitched the Holland, Michigan idea to them, and they were on board.”
100 Things to do in Holland, Michigan Before You Die has been well-received by people, Bareman says. Many local readers have told Bareman they had no idea certain attractions existed in their own backyard.
What came before and what’s next
(Courtesy Photo)
Bareman’s 100 Things is actually her second publication.
Twelve authors throughout the Midwest came together and compiled an informative book on Midwest state parks.
Titled Midwest State Park Adventures, the book covers all state parks in the Midwest states, with Bareman penning the Michigan chapter.
“Michigan has 108 state parks,” says Bareman. “I did a deep dive into those to figure out who has camping, trails and kayaking, then specifically wrote from firsthand experience.”
Bareman is looking at participating in another author compilation that will cover Midwest museums. She is also in conversation with Reedy Press about writing a bigger, more Michigan-centric book.
Never stop exploring
“Life goes on past 50, and it can be the most exciting time of your life,” says Bareman. “I’m in my 50s now, and life has taken off in my 50s in a bigger way than through all of the years prior.”
Bareman is loving her Hip Grandma Life and continues to carry her camera everywhere she goes. Her days consist of traveling, writing, photography, and speaking engagements.
Bareman says we should never stop learning and exploring (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
And, most importantly, being a grandma to her two grandchildren while looking forward to welcoming more into the Hip Grandma fold.
Bareman encourages those around her to never stop exploring, no matter their age.
“Don’t forget to explore your own backyard,” says Bareman. “We have the gift of a lifetime of experience and look through a whole different lens than we would have when we were 25 and trying to figure life out.
“Now we’ve kind of got the gift of having it figured out. We never stopped learning, and we never have it completely figured out, but certainly those years of experience are a huge gift when you’re at this point in life.”
Inspiration to get you started
Adventures of the pink-haired, high-energy Hip Grandma with a Camera can be found on her website, Hip Grandma Life.
WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed went behind the scenes with author Chavonne Mateen and her debut novel, Shaylah Marston and the Rogue Roots, on WKTV Soundbites (Courtesy, WKTV)
Set in an urban magical realm, Mateen’s middle grade novel contains everything the author loves about the fantasy genre – and about life.
“I have always been a huge fan of fantasy fiction,” said Mateen, adding that the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling and the Children of Blood and Bone series by Tomi Adeyemi are among her favorite reads.
When not writing, Mateen fills her time as an HR Technologist for HRIS Streamline Consulting, is an Associate Integration Consultant for iCIMS, and is a self-professed serial entrepreneur.
Already living a life busy with the HR works she loves, this reporter couldn’t resist asking Mateen about the driving force behind her desire to pen a novel.
Living life to the fullest
“People go on journeys in life,” said Mateen. “One day I was writing down things I wanted to accomplish. Starting a business was one, finishing school was another, and writing a rap.
“The next one was to write a book. That’s how this was born.”
Mateen talked with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed about what lies at the heart of her debut novel (Courtesy, WKTV)
Not only did Mateen decide to write a book, she decided to create something groundbreaking that was also relatable.
Mateen wanted to write what she deemed was missing in the fantasy genre – a series featuring a beautiful, strong and present family that sticks together.
“I decided that I wanted to write something that I could relate to,” said Mateen. “This is more in an urban setting, and it’s characters that I can relate to.”
Shaylah’s journey is one of self-discovery.
Suddenly inundated with nightly visions of her deceased grandfather, Shaylah begins asking her mother some hard questions. As long-kept family secrets are revealed, the young teen realizes that she also holds magical powers and abilities.
Mateen chats about Shaylah Marston merchandise and fan art (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“When they begin telling her these secrets, that’s when the story begins to unfold and the magic occurs,” said Mateen.
The young heroine embarks on a mission with her family and friends, intent on saving a distant world and restoring her family’s name.
With a diverse cast of characters and a relatable and inspiring protagonist, Shaylah Marston and the Rogue Roots weaves powerful themes of friendship, courage and self-discovery throughout its pages.
Deemed “an exhilarating coming-of-age extravaganza” and “unapologetic fantasy fiction at its finest” by beta readers, Mateen’s novel will transport readers to a world brimming with adventure.
Interested readers can visit Mateen’s website to pre-order a copy of the novel, sign up for notifications regarding Shaylah Marston events and news, and purchase Shaylah Marston merchandise.
But Mateen isn’t stopping there.
Big screen goals
Bringing Shaylah Marston to the big screen as a Netflix series is a goal Mateen is already working to set in motion.
“That’s the ultimate goal, to bring it to the big screen, bring it to life, and bring the awareness to Grand Rapids that we do have offerings and more creatives in this space,” said Mateen.
Expanding worlds, chasing dreams
Mateen is currently working on the second Shaylah Marston novel (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Mateen plans to expand Shaylah Marston’s world through writing, though she admits that the writing process is not always easy.
“I’ve experienced roadblocks, setbacks, tumbles and stumbles,” said Mateen.
But she doesn’t let that stop her, and she encourages others to push through those difficulties as well.
“Just continue to write,” said Mateen. “Pick up that pen. If you don’t have a pen, pick up your phone. Jot those ideas down. You can always revisit and expand on it, but you have to start somewhere and keep at it because it’s a work in progress.
“It’s not going to always be perfect. But continue pressing forward.”
To learn more about Shaylah Marston and the Rogue Roots, visit the Shaylah Marston website and Facebook page.
Support Michigan veterans via monetary donations or in-kind donations this holiday season (Courtesy, MVH)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Donations help improve quality of life for veteran members (Courtesy, MVH)
Michigan Veteran Homes (MVH) has published a wish list for each Home highlighting much-needed items to support veteran members this holiday season.
“Michiganders who fought and sacrificed for our freedom deserve our gratitude and support during the holidays,” said Governor Whitmer. “For the more than 300 veterans living at state veteran homes in Chesterfield Township, Grand Rapids, and Marquette, a letter filled with holiday wishes or a gift from their wish list makes a real difference in their lives and lets them know they are not forgotten.
“Let’s continue working together to make sure our veterans and their families feel our support around the holidays.”
Monetary donations
Michigan Veteran Homes at Grand Rapids (MVHGR) is seeking monetary donations to support the charitable support fund which is used to improve the quality of life for veteran members.
Monetary donations can be made at Support MVH or checks can be written to MVHGR and mailed to 2950 Monroe Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Please indicate the fund designation “Charitable Support Fund” in the memo section of the check.
In-kind donations
In-kind donations can be dropped off at the new Home (Courtesy, MVH)
The Home is also seeking in-kind donations such as Velcro shoes, Forever stamps, snack items and potted indoor plants. These items can be brought to the main entrance of the new Home.
For more information or to coordinate a time to drop off in-kind donations, please contact Volunteer and Donations Coordinator Gretchen Muir at muirg@michigan.gov or 616-840-3001.
Updated wish list items and donation tips may be viewed online at Holiday Wish List 23. You can also direct-ship requested items from the Home’s Amazon Wish List.
Kent County shelters are filled to capacity, risking leaving hundreds without access to shelter services during winter (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Homelessess is on the rise (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Homelessness is on the rise, and there is an overwhelming demand for shelter and other services as winter approaches.
According to the latest data, the number of individuals and families needing shelter far exceeds the supply of shelter beds in Kent County. Based on trends and current bed capacity in our community, an estimated 100 to 300 people could be without access to shelter services on the coldest winter nights.
According to the Point in Time count, there were 723 individuals experiencing homelessness in Kent County in 2018. In 2023, that number sharply increased to 1,239 individuals experiencing homelessness.
Current shelters cannot sustain increase in need
Non-profit leaders of Dégagé Ministries, along with Mel Trotter Ministries, Family Promise and AYA Youth Collective fear they will not have enough shelter and provisions to accommodate the increased demand for shelter during the winter months.
Even with the new bunks at Dégagé, they are unable to meet the current need for beds (Courtesy, Dégagé Ministries)
Dégagé provides the only emergency shelter for women in the area. They are seeing up to 125 women a night in the shelter, many experiencing homelessness for the first time.
They are doing all they can to make arrangements to accommodate 150 women per night. Funding limitations, however, will make it difficult to sustain that figure during the winter.
The leaders of Mel Trotter Ministries, Dégagé Ministries, Family Promise of West Michigan, and AYA Youth Collective, alongside the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness, are releasing an open letter to the West Michigan community.
The letter below outlines the need for this community and its leaders to identify both near and long-term solutions to address the homelessness crisis.
A plea to the public for support
To the West Michigan community:
We present this message to our community with a sense of great concern and urgency as our region’s coldest winter months are fast approaching.
Economic hardships, the loss of supportive resources from COVID, and a shortage of affordable housing have combined to worsen the already difficult situation facing men, women, youth, and families experiencing homelessness in West Michigan. The shifting landscape is presenting an increasingly dire situation for people living on the street and an overwhelming demand for the non-profit service agencies that provide compassionate care, meals, services, and shelter to those in need.
Unable to meet the demand
Shortages include location, space and staffing (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Making matters even more challenging is that just like other employers, some non-profit agencies are facing a worker shortage and a funding shortfall. Adding temporary shelter beds this winter, as has happened in the past, is a significant challenge because there are simply not enough workers to ensure a safe environment for overflow guests.
What’s more, the funding needed to provide additional staffing and a location for overflow shelter space is not presently available. Therefore, non-profits simply cannot meet the demand.
We are committed to providing compassionate support to as many of our neighbors in need as possible, while maintaining a safe environment for all. However, when the population growth of individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in our community far exceeds the limited amount of shelter space, we are faced with difficult decisions and risk loss of life.
Our collective community efforts to address the homelessness crisis must include both near and long-term solutions. Of immediate concern is the urgent need to find shelter workers and shelter bed space. At the same time, we remain focused on initiatives to increase affordable housing, create more access to mental health resources, strengthen workforce development and employment opportunities, and more.
The rising issue of homelessness is one facing our entire country, and an issue that is of paramount importance in West Michigan. Collaborative work between agencies, governmental partners, and community leaders is happening to create a long-term cohesive strategy. As non-profits, we are doing great work, but we can do even more with increased funding, more staff, and more shelter rooms to meet this growing need.
Limited shelter space increases risk of loss of life (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
How you can help save lives
With your help, we can save lives this winter by protecting unhoused individuals, youth, children, and families from extreme, life-threatening temperatures. To learn more or join us in our efforts to combat homelessness, visit us at our websites below.
We remain resolute in our commitment to serve those in need in our community, and we stand ready to continue partnering with our community leaders in taking steps toward finding a sustainable solution that benefits the entire region.
From their GRAMMY® Award-winning 2004 Go Tell It on the Mountain and 2014 Talkin’ Christmas albums, this holiday performance has thrilled sell-out audiences across the United States.
Executive & Artistic Director of SCMC Cathy Holbrook says, “We are so excited to present the 5-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Blind Boys of Alabama in concert at SCMC this holiday season! Royce Auditorium will be filled with joy during their performance on December 5.”
Raising roofs and crossing boundaries
The Blind Boys of Alabama perform live shows that are roof-raising musical events that appeal to audiences of all cultures. The Blind Boys are known for crossing multiple musical boundaries with their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material.
Since the original members first sang together as kids at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in the late 1930s, the band has persevered through seven decades to become one of the most recognized and decorated roots music groups in the world.
“Seeing the Blind Boys of Alabama in concert is part living history, part concert, all uplifting experience…the best moments come when the group join forces for stirring harmonies,” claims The Washington Post.
Achieving dreams and world recognition
The Blind Boys’ career spans over 75 years (Courtesy Photo)
The Blind Boys’ music has not only endured, but thrived during seven decades of world events and is recognized worldwide as living legends and modern-day innovators.
Band members Jimmy “Jimster” Carter, Ricky McKinnie, Paul Beasley, Rev. Julius Love, newest addition Sterling Glass, and led by Music Director and lead guitarist Joey Williams helped create a new gospel sound for the 21st century.
Celebrated by The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) with Lifetime Achievement Awards, and inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Blind Boys of Alabama are also winners of fiveGRAMMY® Awards.
Tickets for The Blind Boys of Alabama Christmas Show are $60, $45 and $30 at scmcgr.org or by calling 616-459-2224.
Season tickets for the Circle Theatre 2024 productions are now on sale (Courtesy, Circle Theatre)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
Circle Theatre in Grand Rapids celebrates 2024 with their 71st season of Main Stage productions and Summer Concert Series.
Dedicated to enriching the quality of life in West Michigan, Circle Theatre uses an intimate setting and exceptional theatrical arts to educate and entertain.
(Courtesy, Circle Theatre)
The only community theatre in West Michigan specializing in summer theatre, the Theatre allows community performers of all ages to hone their craft. The Theatre also provides employment for directors, choreographers, musicians, designers and technicians.
Circle Theatre boasts more than 300 loyal volunteers and employs approximately 127 local independent contractors annually. Circle also provides nine paid internships to college students, three college scholarships, and arts scholarships to children grades PreK-8 each year. An Environmental Leadership contest for ages 6-14 is also available.
How it all began
Grand Rapids Community Summer Theatre, also known as Circle at the Rowe, was founded in 1952 by Norma Brink, Ted Brink and Sydney Spayde. Its first season was held in 1953.
The Rowe Hotel housed the Theatre for eight years. Due to the shape of the rented room, the play performance area was arena-style with the audience seated around the actors.
Over the years, Circle moved to various other locations, finally finding a home at the Pavilion in John Ball Park for 40 years. Growing audiences and a need for more technically adequate facilities, Circle Theatre searched for a new home and found a partnership with Catholic Secondary Schools and Aquinas College, opening of a new Performing Arts Center at the College in 2003.
Purchasing tickets
Tickets for the 2024 season can be purchased online at circletheatre.org, the box office at 616-456-6656, or in person at the box office (1703 Robinson Road SE, Grand Rapids).
According to preliminary results, nearly 100,000 voters submitted ballots in the special election, supporting the ballot measure 77% to 23%. Voters approved the new, lower rate of 1.1 mills, which reflects a reduction of 10.9% off KDL’s current millage rate of 1.2355 mills.
“My team and I want to thank all those who came out to show their support for KDL,” said KDL Executive Director Lance Werner. “The community already shows how much it values the library every day, with record-setting attendance at programs and total circulation of materials. We’re thrilled to see validation of this in the approval by voters.
“This millage will simultaneously save taxpayers money while securing our future and allowing us to continue serving our wonderful community.”
How taxpayers will save
The KDL board approved Jan. 1, 2024 as the start date, even though the current millage is not set to expire until Dec. 31, 2024. This will provide taxpayers with immediate savings.
Taxpayers will see immediate savings (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The millage will generate $26.6 million in its first year, covering the expense of physical and digital collections, employees, programs and events, tech tutoring and other library services, rent and other expenses.
With the new lower rate, taxpayers will save $3.1 million annually or $46.5 million over its life, with the average homeowner paying $145.75 annually for access to library services – or $2.80 per week.
About KDL services
The award-winning library system serves residents in 27 municipalities through 20 branches, an Express Library, a bookmobile, its main service center, 5,000-plus annual in-person programs and a host of patron-focused services.
KDL’s collection is extensive, with more than 700,000 physical items and 15.6 million digital items. Known for its family-friendly programs, KDL offers more than 5,600 programs and outreach events each year.
Teens involved in community activism become more politically active and conscious (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
By Rachel Rickman
WKTV Contributor
While it might stand to reason that teenagers involved in activism within their communities become more politically active and conscious adults – there is now evidence to support the idea.
A new University of Michigan (U of M) study brings to light specific ways teen activism leads to more critical thinking and community engagement in young people. In addition, the data shows how youth engaged in community activism are more likely to continue their community and civic action as they get older.
Elevating awareness and engagement in teens
Community engagement promotes understanding of both local and national inequalities (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The study, recently published in Society for Research in Child Development, looks at how teenagers (specifically youths around age 16) elevate their awareness, become more politically involved, and develop a better understanding and more active approach to community engagement by participating in community activism—both youth and adult facilitated.
The study shows that addressing local and national political concerns with a group of peers or mentors helps young people develop a better understanding of their place within their community. They also maintain motivation to address problems related to inequity.
Young people joining in community engagement, the study found, are more likely to continue fighting inequities in society once they leave school.
By participating in their community, teenagers gain a better understanding of the ways inequity works within their own lives and communities as well as nationally. A sense of empowerment in their ability to create meaningful change is also a benefit.
Critical reflection and positive change
The study is based on the work of Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educator, philosopher, and outspoken proponent of critical pedagogy. According to the study, “He believed in the idea of critical reflection and action on the world to make it more just and equitable.”
Freire studied and proved that without development of critical consciousness it is difficult for young people to evolve a sense of their ability to create positive change within their immediate social setting, and that of a larger community.
Empowering action and providing tools
A Grand Rapids organization that has been putting Freire’s work into practice since 1998 is Our Community’s Children(OCC). The organization is a public-private partnership between school systems and city government.
OCC provides a liaison between school systems and city government (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
OCC has multiple programs in place with the similar goal of engaging young people in their community, empowering action, and providing tools and resources to better their own lives and those of others.
Program examples include initiatives such as Kidspeak, a program for K-12 local youth facilitated by the Mayor’s Youth Council that gives young people the chance to talk to school officials, community leaders, and legislators about issues important to them.
The Mayor’s Youth Council, made up of high school city residents, gives these young people the chance to see how city government works. They also gain experience working directly with city officials and programs.
Challenging injustice
Young people participating in community engagement groups reflected in the U of M study are largely of Black, Latino and Hispanic descent—people who experience significantly higher rates of structural inequity. This is also true of OCC.
Engagement in activism programs lead to greater understanding of self and others (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Participating in community activism gives students an objective look at the social problems and injustices surrounding them, allowing for a clearer perspective to challenge these issues. According to the study, “Youth’s exploration leads to a greater understanding of the self and relationships with others.”
Programs like OCC “give a platform to begin the process,” said Shannon Harris, Director of Our Community’s Children. A chance for youth to “start early in knowing how city government works,” and perhaps most importantly, “a brave space” for young people to “feel safe speaking their opinion.”
A wonderful example of continued community activism is found in Grand Rapids City Commissioner Kelsey Purdue. Purdue, a former member of the Mayor’s Youth Council, is now a City Commissioner for the Third Ward.
The conclusion of the study states, “Community-based activism, then, serves as a key consciousness-raising system that supports youth to recognize, negotiate, and challenge oppression in their lives.”
Create and support youth activism
There are many positive short and long-term implications of this study for schools and communities looking to create and support youth activism programs.
Rachel Rickman is a freelance writer, editor, and former university English Instructor with a BA, MA, and MFA focused on writing. She grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, but currently resides in Rosarito, Mexico with her husband and son.
Much of her work focuses on “narrative recipes”—personal essays with recipe/cooking ideas.
Over 20 million children in the U.S. face barriers to receiving quality health care (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
By Lauren Konsdorf
WKTV Contributor
The 19th century proverb, “An apple a day keeps the dentist away,” is easier said than done for some families. Over 20 million children in the United States face barriers to getting quality health care, with cost and transportation being two of these barriers.
Meeting families where they are
School is back in session, and this means more contact with other children and daily germs. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Nationwide Children’s Hospital provides school-based health programs, one of the programs tackling the most common chronic condition among children, tooth decay.
Tooth decay is the most chronic condition among children (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
“It is a great partnership, and we are grateful for the services provided to our families,” Wyoming High School Principal Josh Baumbach said.
The Wyoming Public School district benefits from dental clinics which include preventative care appointments and performing most restorative procedures. Partnering with Cherry Street Health Center, Wyoming families have the ability to request dental services for their children.
Shauna Bayer, Associate Director of School-Based Programs at Cherry Health, said the programs participated in 857 exams last year in the Wyoming school district, 55 of which had urgent needs. Bayer also said the program treats every child the same whether they are insured or not. It provides families with care that they might not have access to.
“It makes it worthwhile to come to work every day,” said Bayer.
School-based dental clinics have helped over 1,000 children
Since July 2021, the school-based dental clinics have treated more than 1,000 children and have completed more than 7,000 procedures.
School-base dental programs help families access important healthcare (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Mary Kay Irwin, Senior Director of School Health Services for Nationwide Children’s, wants to improve health outcomes for all children.
“We know that children can reach their full potential in the classroom when they are healthy, live in a safe and stable environment, and have access to the resources they need,” Irwin said.
The dental program creates outcomes for children and families that need access to important healthcare.
Irwin said working together and meeting families where they are is key to helping children access important care that they would not otherwise receive.
School-based dental services help with eliminating barriers that exist in receiving adequate healthcare for school children, creating a more resourceful environment and a future of children enjoying a five-letter facial expression – a smile.
Lauren is a senior at Central Michigan University and is studying Broadcast and Cinematic Arts with double minors in Journalism and Communications. She is a radio host for a specialty show on 101.1 The Beat, and is Promotions Video Editor for WCMU Public Media. She hopes to become a lifestyle reporter or host after college.
In Gabon, like many places around the world, sometimes the personal note inside the shoebox gift is the most appreciated (Courtesy, OCC)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
More than 4,500 locations will open to collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts during National Collection Week, Nov. 13–20.
A Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child (OCC) has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts—filled with school supplies, personal care items and fun toys—to children worldwide since 1993. In 2023, OCC hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach another 11 million children.
Kristeana Veenstra, OCC Area Coordinator for the West Central Michigan Team, and her husband Tracey have been packing shoeboxes for the past 15 years.
A life-changing impact
Tracey (left) and Kristeana Veenstra have packed shoeboxes for children for 15 years (Courtesy, Veenstra)
After hearing an announcement at church, Veenstra packed three shoeboxes that first year in 2008.
“It was a lot of fun,” said Veenstra. “We don’t have kids, but we love kids, so it was fun shopping, picking stuff out. Even if it’s practical, [I thought] how can I make the school supplies fun.”
In April 2009, Veenstra received a letter and picture from the mother of the little girl who received the very first shoebox Kristeana and Tracey packed.
“The mom was so thankful and appreciative that now her daughter has someone who cares about her in America,” said Veenstra. “[She] invited us to come visit in Burkina Faso (West Africa). It really made an impact.”
Such an impact that Veenstra started taking up more of a role alongside the OCC team leader at the time. Eventually, Veenstra found herself stepping into that leadership role.
Christmas…all year long
“Five years in, I found out there were year-round volunteers and I got super excited,” said Veenstra.
Sheer gratitude exudes from this boy’s face after receiving a shoebox gift in Antigua (Courtesy, OCC)
Part of the year-round team for the past 10 years, Veenstra has served as area coordinator for the last three years. With over 300 participating churches in West Michigan, that is no small feat.
“We help guide churches and businesses [through the process],” said Veenstra. “We love to come alongside the project leaders of those churches and make sure they feel supported and have all the resources they need.”
With 11 drop-off sites for shoeboxes in West Michigan, Veenstra strives to recruit even more sites.
“Sometimes we will discover a need in an area that doesn’t have one, so we will start looking for churches to see if we can recruit a new church that might be interested in being a drop-off,” said Veenstra.
Anyone can pack a shoebox!
Individuals, families, and groups still have time to transform empty shoeboxes into fun gifts. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage.
“Children around the world need to know that God loves them and there is hope,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “A simple shoebox gift opens the door to share about the true hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.”
Veenstra added, “There is a part that anybody can play. There are so many different things and ways you can be a part of this ministry, that anybody can be part of it.”
The passion behind the shoebox
Kristeana’s team consists of 19 additional team members.
“My team is amazing, they are rockstars,” said Veenstra. “It is a passion of theirs to see kids who have maybe never received a gift, receive a gift, and to spread the love and joy that comes with them. You can really see the passion in them for this ministry.”
Veenstra and her team with Bonny (center) who received a shoebox as a child (Courtesy, Veenstra)
Veenstra remembers a woman who called her local location on the last day of drop-off to see if they would be willing to stay open late so she could deliver her packed shoebox.
“She took way longer to get there than they had expected,” said Veenstra. “It turns out, she had walked seven miles to get this shoebox dropped off because it was that important to her.”
Another project leader continued to lead shoebox packing on her own during COVID. Even though her church had shut down, the leader managed to collect over 300 boxes.
A year-long volunteer and project leader organizes a packing party each year.
“People tell me that they [help] because she has found a way to give them a purpose,” said Veenstra. “It gave them a sense of purpose they didn’t know they had.”
Responses from around the world
While it is rare to get a written letter back from a shoebox recipient because of the high postal cost in some areas, Veenstra said one volunteer’s daughter has email pen pals from all over the world.
“She has grown up doing this with her mom, so she has friends all over the world that she has gotten to know because they have received a shoebox that she packed,” said Veenstra.
After meeting with shoebox recipients in person, Veenstra says, “If that opportunity ever arises, I would tell somebody to drop everything and do it, because it will change your perspective on not just packing shoeboxes, but in so many things.”
“Love” notes
Veenstra said that receiving a shoebox reminds the recipient of Jesus’ love, and shows the recipient that someone else in the world is caring and loving as well.
Desire (crouching, center) received a shoebox as a child (Courtesy, Veenstra)
One gentleman received a shoebox containing a note that said: “Jesus loves you, and so do I.”
As a refugee, that man grew up believing and feeling that everyone hated him.
“They had no home, and he grew up with a lot of hate in his heart,” said Veenstra. “He received this shoebox, and he questioned whether or not his hate was justified because clearly not all people were bad.
“Notes are so incredibly important in shoeboxes because it creates that extra impact and connection.”
However, shoeboxes can be dropped off at any of the shoebox drop-off locations.
Participants can find the nearest drop-off locationand hours of operation with the online lookup tool that is searchable by City or ZIP code. Signs at each location will identify the drop-off.
“I don’t think people really realize that such a small shoebox can make such a huge impact,” said Veenstra. “This is such an amazing ministry, and I love being part of it.”
Let’s crush that goal!
A trio of girls in Mongolia rejoices over their shoebox gifts (Courtesy, OCC)
Since 1993, OCC has collected and delivered more than 209 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories.
West Michigan packed 33,346 shoeboxes in 2022. Veenstra and her team have a goal of collecting 35,500 shoeboxes for 2023.
“We would love to completely crush that goal,” said Veenstra. “There are millions more children to get shoeboxes to.”
Veteran-owned small businesses make many positive contributions to local communities and economies.
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Governor Whitmer honors veterans with Veterans Small Business Week in Michigan (Courtesy, Supplied)
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has recognized Oct. 31 – Nov. 3 as Veterans Small Business Week in Michigan. This event is to celebrate the positive contributions made by veteran-owned small businesses to our local communities and economies across Michigan.
“During Veterans Small Business Week, let’s support Michigan’s strong, local veteran-owned small businesses and celebrate the huge impact they have on our economy,” said Gov. Whitmer.
“Michigan’s entrepreneurs and small business owners move our state forward,” Whitmer continued. “Many are owned and operated by Michiganders who served our nation in uniform and continue to make a difference in their community. This week and every week, let’s support our veteran-owned small businesses.”
Reducing barriers for veterans
Gov. Whitmer has signed legislation to reduce barriers to professional licensure. This created an expedited path for veterans and their families to practice their licensed profession in Michigan, easing the pathway to reciprocal licenses through expedited processing and waiving initial license and application fees.
Veteran Marion Gray holds a folded American flag (U.S. Dept. Veterans Affairs)
Veterans who are interested in registering a business in Michigan may also qualify for a waiver of fees for profit corporations, limited liability companies and nonprofit corporations. Learn more here: Veterans Fee Waiver.
“LARA is proud to show appreciation for members of the armed forces and their families by offering initial license/registration and application fee waivers,” said Marlon I. Brown, acting director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. “Our department offers several licensing supports for those currently serving and for those service members transitioning from active duty. LARA also counts military training and experiences toward fulfilling the requirements for certain licenses.”
Michigan as a “Startup State” for veterans
West Michigan’s veteran-care facility flies a 30- by 50-foot flag just off Monroe Avenue NE across from Grand Rapids’ Riverside Park. (Courtesy, WKTV/K.D. Norris)
Brian L. Love, director of the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA), said small businesses are the backbone of the Michigan economy and a key part of the state’s “Make it in Michigan” economic development strategy.
“We want Michigan to be the ‘startup state’ by being the best place for veterans to start their own businesses,” Love said. “When veterans return home, they bring with them a unique skillset that is invaluable in the entrepreneurial space.
“The MVAA is here to support veterans as they return home and enter the civilian workforce or start their own small business. We know having meaningful employment saves lives and we are glad small business owners go beyond thanking our vets for their service and recognize their service by hiring them and promoting them.”
The MVAA helps connect veterans with federal, state and local benefits and resources they earned for their service. To learn more, veterans can contact the Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center at 1-800-MICH-VET or visit www.michigan.gov/MVAA.
Field trips are a daily part of One Day Niche programming (Courtesy, Alison Haraburda)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
Alison Haraburda was frustrated with the lack of local social interaction and physical activity options for her disabled brother – so she took matters into her own hands and founded One Day Niche.
A non-profit organization that provides life skills and activities for individuals with disabilities, One Day Niche fills a gap long needed for those who have aged out of traditional schooling.
Engaging in the community and social interaction are important aspects of the program (Courtesy, Alison Haraburda)
“We want One Day Niche to be a place where people of all abilities can come together and enrich the lives of each other through shared experience,” Haraburda says on ODN’s website.
Shared experience with those possessing various levels of ability is nothing new to Haraburda. Her parents provided foster care for several individuals during Haraburda’s childhood, all with various disabilities. Three of those individuals eventually became Haraburda’s adopted siblings.
“Growing up, I learned how to care for individuals with various disabilities,” said Haraburda. “That was part of my upbringing.”
Haraburda’s adopted brother is now 35 years old but with a limited mental capacity of an individual much younger. She made several attempts to find programs her brother could participate in, all unsuccessful.
“He ended up sitting at home, watching TV all day,” said Haraburda. “[He would] go to bed, get up and do the same thing again. That’s not good for anybody’s health.”
That was when Haraburda embarked upon a quest to provide healthier options and programming herself.
Determination and dedication
Haraburda began talking to organizations, inquiring about programs offered to individuals. In addition, she spoke to nonprofit organizations to find out the feasibility of founding her own nonprofit.
After gleaning information from 25 organizations, Haraburda said there was a resounding theme.
Rebekah (left), Alison and Jason are committed to helping those with disabilities thrive (Courtesy, Alison Haraburda)
“I heard over and over, ‘Don’t quit, don’t quit, keep going,’” said Haraburda.
Haraburda took their advice to heart and, one year after launch, One Day Niche averages 7-13 individuals with varying levels of disabilities per outing, and owns two vehicles for transport.
“This is the first year I’ve been blessed to be able to hire two additional employees,” Haraburda added.
With the growth in attendance, extra help was desperately needed despite individuals attending on a rotating basis.
“The disabled have different struggles to deal with, so it varies when they can come,” said Haraburda. “But 85% of our individuals are pretty consistent on the days they come.”
How does One Day Niche work?
Participants meet at a designated place Monday through Friday at 9 a.m. Providers and caregivers may drop off participants, or One Day Niche employees pick up individuals as needed.
Each day includes a field trip and activities geared toward increasing basic living and social skills.
There is always fun to be had at One Day Niche (Courtesy, Alison Haraburda)
“Our focus is basic living within the community,” said Haraburda. “It can be job skills, but our focus is how we can be contributing members to the community at large.
“A lot of them struggle with social interactions; a lot of learning has taken place.”
Bowling, basketball, shopping, crafts, museums, parks, visiting Frederik Meijer Gardens and exploring ArtPrize are just a few examples of One Day Niche activities.
“In the fall, we spend a lot of time going to farms, doing fall activities [like] pumpkins, apple picking, hayrides and corn mazes,” said Haraburda.
Community engagement and giving back are an important aspect of One Day Niche.
“Thursday mornings we go to a church and give back,” said Haraburda. “We vacuum, take out the trash, wash windows and wipe down tables.”
Continuing to grow and dream
Haraburda’s initial idea was to have a large facility or gym that would allow them to have various activities on-site, as well as field trips.
“Buying a facility has been out of our reach so far,” Haraburda admitted. “It’s a long-term goal, to buy a place and have a site year-round where we can do activities.
“We have been very fortunate to make a lot of different connections, so every Wednesday we have access to a gym at a local church.”
Here’s how to join the fun
“We try to keep the registration process for the individuals and families very simple,” said Haraburda. “We know that caring for an individual with any type of disability is hard, so we try to make the process simple for anyone who would want to join in.”
Daily cost is $25 and includes six hours of the program and all activities for that day.
Haraburda said they are always looking for volunteers and college interns to help out.
“We have had families come and volunteer their time,” said Haraburda. “One family brought Nerf guns, so we had Nerf wars that day. It was a really fun day,” she added with a laugh.
“We are always looking for funding,” said Haraburda. “As a new nonprofit, that seems to be the hardest for us as we get off the ground. But we are expanding, and we love what we do and the services we have been able to offer the families.
“It’s been a journey, but it’s been a fun journey.”
Davenport University and the Michigan State Police Crime Lab worked together to create a hands-on experience for forensics students (Courtesy, Davenport University)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
Forensics students processed a realistic mock crime scene (Courtesy, Davenport University)
Students in Davenport University’s forensics class recently received a surprise. Just as they were settling in for Professor William Ruhf’s lecture, a woman from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Crime Lab appeared at the door and announced that a crime had been committed on campus and their help was needed to process the scene.
The woman was Susan Isley, Ruhf’s supervisor at the MSP crime lab. Ruhf wanted to give his Biological Laboratory Science majors hands-on, real-world experience in forensics.
Enlisting Isley’s help, the MSP mobile crime lab set up a realistic mock crime scene for Ruhf’s students to investigate. The plan was to make the crime scenario and investigation as authentic as possible.
“We wanted the scenario to play out as it would in real life, with no advance notice,” said Ruhf.
Davenport’s Bachelor of Science in Biological Laboratory Science gives students the foundation needed to launch a career as a laboratory scientist or to pursue a postgraduate degree in areas like science, biomedical research, biotech and pharma. This biomedical science degree program is the only one of its kind in Michigan and one of only a few in the nation.
The scene of the crime
Students were able to see the real-world application of what they learned in the classroom (Courtesy, Davenport University)
The students made their way to the north side of campus to survey the mock crime scene and begin their investigation.
The scenario consisted of a struggle with shots fired and evidence of a body being carried to a nearby swamp. The students worked together to collect spent cartridge cases, blood samples, and hair from tree bark. They learned how to cast a shoe impression, accurately photograph the scene, and package all evidence correctly. At the end of the exercise, they turned in their lab report just as if they had been investigating an actual incident.
The mock crime scene was a great way for students to see the real-world application of what they are learning in the classroom.
“I think the kids really enjoyed the field experience and learned something in the process,” said Ruhf. “We know that the skill to think critically can’t be obtained in a single exercise, but I saw the ‘light come on’ for several students while they were processing the mock crime scene, which made it all worthwhile.”
Field experience helps develop the skill of critical thinking (Courtesy, Davenport University)
Riley Schroeder, who graduates in April, agreed with Ruhf’s assessment.
“It was refreshing to be able to learn the material in this format versus just talking in class about how a crime scene would be handled,” said Schroeder.
To learn more about Davenport’s Bachelor’s in Biological Laboratory Science degree, visit davenport.edu/forensics.
The stuffed animals are being collected in honor of Yogi, a brown bear who was humanely euthanized at John Ball Zoo this week after suffering from arthritis due to his advanced age.
Yogi was born in the wild and had been with John Ball Zoo since 1994 after repeated human area conflict in Yellowstone National Park. Yogi would have been euthanized at that time if the John Ball Zoo had not provided him with a home. At the Zoo, he lived well beyond his life expectancy.
A 30-year zoo icon
“John Ball Zoo is heartbroken by the loss of Yogi, who was a beloved presence at the Zoo for almost 30 years,” said Jaime Racalla, zookeeper supervisor at John Ball Zoo. “We’re very proud of the long life he had and the excellent care he received from our team into his later years. It is heartwarming to know that Yogi will continue to bring tokens of joy and comfort to children through the stuffed animal drive in his honor.”
Yogi’s caretakers will miss his gentle, easygoing personality.
“Yogi’s favorite day of the week was bone day,” said Jackie Wolflinger-Zellinger, swing keeper at John Ball Zoo. “He would pass up his dinner and any sweet snack we had for him, such as his evening medications mixed with honey or jam, for it, and he would be busy chewing until all the meat was gone. He was such a joy to work with.”
Teddy bear drive details
Donated stuffed bears can be dropped off at John Ball Zoo Guest Services through Oct. 19
John Ball Zoo will collect stuffed animals from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily Oct. 5-19 to be donated to the children’s hospital. The toys should be new with tags and can be dropped off at John Ball Zoo Guest Services office.
“Thank you to John Ball Zoo and our community supporting our pediatric patients at the hospital,” said Jeannine Brown, certified child life specialist at Helen DeVos. “These stuffed animals comfort our kids during their admission and aid in the healing process. We pass out many stuffed animals every day to brighten a child’s stay, especially if they forgot their treasured stuffed animal or lovey at home. Thank you for helping us make their hospital stay a little bit better with something to hold and hug.”
A local youth learns self-defense techniques with Battle Ground owner Reggie Macon (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
Reggie Macon, owner of Battle Ground JKD LLC, is focused on using his 17 years of personal training to help ensure women and children are safe.
Macon began training his two daughters in self-defense techniques when they were only four years old. He has since expanded to provide that same training to local women and children by founding his martial arts school, Battle Ground.
With countless self-defense and martial arts schools available to the public, Macon differentiates himself by being more hands-on than most.
“It’s not just technique and that’s it,” said Macon. “I teach how to read body language, situational awareness, how to create separation to escape in certain instances, and how to build confidence in oneself to know that just because I know how to fight doesn’t mean I have to. I can walk away confidently enough to know I won’t have to cause any harm.”
To find out more about Battle Ground and the classes they offer, visit their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram.
Financial advisor and money mindset coach Dinorah Caro Livingston welcomes participants to a local financial wellness workshop (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
deborah@wktv.org
Attorney Rose Coonen engages community members in coversation (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Dinorah Caro Livingston, Regional Vice-President of Primerica Advisors, recently hosted a financial wellness education workshop to help unravel the mystery surrounding financial wellness.
“It’s about providing education,” Livingston said. “The more that people know, the better they can make informed decisions for what they need.”
Education you won’t get in schools
With 20 years operating in the financial arena, Livingston is dedicated to helping people take control of their finances and their future.
“If you want something different in the future, you have to do something different today,” said Livingston.
Dinorah Caro Livingston talks about life moments that create our “WHYs” (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
But Livingston also understands that taking the reins can seem overwhelming.
“Unfortunately, people get scared, and they are scared to ask for the information,” said Livingston. “[But] there are no dumb questions. People can take baby steps to become financially stable,” Livingston added.
Livingston urges people to begin taking those baby steps to avoid a situation where they run out of time or it is too late to put plans in place.
“If you drop them little seeds of education along the way, sometimes it spurs them on to stop dragging their feet,” said Livingston. “And depending on where they are in their lives, the message is heard differently.”
Livingston provides quarterly workshops to the public but also presents workshops for specific groups such as employers, schools and churches.
“We have multiple investment partners who will help us with these,” said Livingston, “We believe education should be free.”
When Livingston met personal family lawyer Rose Coonen of Coonen Law, PLLC, she found that Coonen also focused on educating her clients via relationships and informational workshops.
A partnership was born
With 20 years of estate planning experience, Coonen believes financial planning goes hand in hand with estate planning. Like Livingston, however, Coonen has found that most people are reluctant to take that first step.
Attorney Rose Coonen talks about gaining and maintaining control of your estate and assets (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“Especially from an estate planning standpoint, it’s important, but not urgent,” said Coonen. “And no one wants to think about it.”
The solution?
Coonen says that she encourages people to think about who they are setting plans in place for, and offers to come alongside them to help.
“We do education pieces to say why it’s important, here is what could happen, let us be of service to you and help you,” Coonen said.
Communication and empathy are key
Both Livingston and Coonen have noticed that the success ratio for businesses is higher when the focus is partnership with families rather than transactional.
Rose Coonen answers questions about estate planning from the audience (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“Every family is different,” said Coonen. “Every family has different family dynamics.”
She believes the community has chosen to nominate her firm because she is not the “typical” attorney.
“I do not consider myself a traditional estate planning attorney,” said Coonen. “We are more holistic. We tell clients right from the start that they are not a number, that we come alongside them, not just to get a plan set up, but we stay in contact with them. They hear from us regularly.”
Coonen said her goal is to give families peace of mind.
“We guide families,” said Coonen. “We spend a lot of [time] building those relationships with our clients.”
Coonen has spent hours during the day calling clients to check in and see how they are doing, if anything has changed, and how life is going.
“Estate planning is an on-going process,” said Coonen, adding that the law firm does reviews every two years to make sure a client’s established plan is still current to their needs.
Get rich – slowly
Mark Everswick talks about the importance of long-term investments (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Franklin Templeton Investments Regional Director Mark Everswick has also joined forces with Livingston and Coonen to bring the component of long-term investments to the table.
With an ever-evolving economy, investing can be a puzzle. Everswick provides strategies to help people invest confidently at every age.
Everswick said that patience is key in long-term investing.
“This investing thing is [about] getting rich slowly,” said Everswick, adding that the benefits are seen over a period of time.
The goal, Everswick continued, is not to simply acquire financial stability and retire, but to pass that stability on to family, preserving it for the future.
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
Consistency is key in financial planning (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
Livingston recited an old saying to help convey the value of consistency.
“That consistency is so important, whether on the legal side or the financial side,” said Livingston. “Sometimes you need a coach to stay on track. It’s never ‘if’ you’ll fall down on the financial mat, it’s a matter of ‘when.’ And when that happens, we are going to be with you.”
“This was prompted by the recognition that our senior community in Wyoming is one that deserves to have attention provided to it, and services delivered right to their doorstep,” said Fitzgerald. “We really looked at what this community needs, and it is more direct services from the state. This is an opportunity for us to begin a tradition of providing these resources directly to the community.”
The Resource Fair included several community organizations that provided information, resources, goodies, and even lunch for attendees. The goal was to not only reach members of the Wyoming Senior Center where the event was held, but also the general community with resources specific to older adults in Wyoming.
“It’s very easy for older adults to slip through the cracks,” said Chad Boprie, WSC Director. “As people hit retirement age, they start to have these needs and they don’t know where to find help. By doing an event like this, [seniors] can get a lot of the resources in one place and be able to tap into those,” said Boprie.
A need for resources and compassion
The Senior Resource Fair is expected to become an annual fall event (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Resident Janet Thompson attended the Resource Fair for that exact reason.
Housing, transportation, and service providers such as plumbers and electricians were among Thompson’s top priorities.
“We want to stay in our homes as long as we can,” said Thompson. “We figured we would hire what we need done, but we don’t know where to go to hire it done.”
Where to get help – and help from providers experienced with the senior community – is not always clear, Thompson continued.
“I thought maybe the [vendors] who come here are used to dealing with seniors…and might be more patient and have more knowledge,” said Thompson.
Providing knowledge and expertise
Senior Real Estate Specialist Patti Grover Gabrielse (left) works to provide seniors with customized and fair expertise (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Senior Real Estate Specialist, Patti Grover Gabrielse, participated as a vendor at the Resource Fair to help provide that experience and knowledge.
“What we do is we focus on the senior adult community,” said Gabrielse. “Of course we want to stay in our homes as long as we can, but when the time comes that we have to sell, I make sure to protect that asset and get the most amount of money for them.”
Gabrielse went on to say that there are real estate agents out there who take advantage of people who don’t know the market.
“It’s a real area of elder abuse,” Gabrielse said. “That money, whether [seniors] are going to go to assisted living or if they are going to go to family and live, every dime matters to them.”
Health and wellness education
Tina Ezell (left) of Urban League of West Michigan chats with a senior resident (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Tia Ezell with Urban League of West Michigan participated in the Resource Fair to provide information on COVID-19 and tobacco reform.
“Today we are here with information about COVID-19,” said Ezell. “We have some resources, masks, sanitizer, and literature on the vaccine and that explains things you can do to help prevent the spread of COVID.”
The Grand Rapids Urban League is also looking to end the sale of all flavored tobacco in the state of Michigan, including menthol flavored tobacco.
“[We are] doing our best to engage and educate the community that we serve about the harms of tobacco smoke, and why there is a need for tobacco reform in the state of Michigan,” Ezell said.
Grand Rapids Urban League also provides resources in regard to health and wellness education, housing resources, employment opportunities, and the Cure Violence program.
“The communities we serve are under-resourced, marginalized, and we are aware that we need to do what we can to inform them and provide whatever resources are available,” said Ezell.
A community that cares
The Wyoming Senior Center offers resources for both physical and mental health (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Senior Center works to provide the senior community with care and resources for more than just physical recreation.
“We want to be a hub for recreational services,” said Boprie. “Within that recreation there are so many goals related to not only physical fitness and physical health, but also mental health.”
Boprie went on to say that the WSC staff often sees loneliness and depression in older adults and believes that being active and involved in social programs helps reduce that issue.
“We also offer Meals on Wheels here two days a week, so there is also the nutritional component that we can provide for people as well,” Boprie said.
“We are very fortunate to have a senior center like this in Wyoming,” said Fitzgerald, “where we can have a gathering place to have all these wonderful organizations and people who serve our senior community get right to the source, to the people who need their services most.”
Dedicated to a life of service
A member of Rep. Fitzgerald’s staff sets out complimentary lunches, provided by Meals on Wheels, for attendees (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Serving his first term representing the 83rd House District, Fitzgerald is dedicated to building policy that will solve everyday, real issues that impact West Michigan residents. His commitment to community service stems from his mother and grandmothers who devoted their lives to giving beyond themselves.
“My personal connection with the senior community began when I was a child,” said Fitzgerald. “Starting at the age of three, I delivered Meals on Wheels with my mom. I would go in there and begin to chat with those who we were delivering meals to, and hear how their day was going.
“In my teenage years, I played cards with a number of my church members who were older,” Fitzgerald continued. “Even today, I look to support our senior community in a number of non-profit ways as well.”
The Michigan Small Business Development Center presents Pitch Black Grand Rapids, a pitch competition for Black business owners (Courtesy, MI-SBDC)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
In an effort to uplift the Black business community, the Michigan Small Business Development Center (MI-SBDC) has announced a Grand Rapids pitch competition on Thursday, Sept. 28.
The Pitch Black competition began in 2021 in response to the detrimental effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on Black-owned businesses in Muskegon County. Pitch Black is now coming to Grand Rapids and will focus on Black-owned businesses operating in Kent County.
Business owners will have a chance to present their pitch to a panel of judges for a chance at a cash prize (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
“It’s sort of like Shark Tank meets America’s Got Talent,” explained Ed Garner, West Michigan Regional Director for the MI-SBDC. “It will be on an auditorium stage in a game show style fashion.”
Twenty Black business owners were selected from a pool of applicants to be Pitch Black contestants. All contestants received pitch training in preparation for a preliminary round presentation to a panel of Black Judges.
Five to seven contestants will then be chosen as finalists and pitch for their share of $10,000 in front of a live studio audience.
“It’s our way of uplifting the Black business community and is part of our DEI initiative called Uplift Michigan™, a strategic movement designed to ensure equitable access for all diverse entrepreneurs across Michigan,” said Garner.
Bringing culture and personal awareness
Bertina Polk, owner of My Little Love Bugs Childcare LLC, applied for Pitch Black to bring awareness to early childhood education in the African American culture.
Polk remembers being teased because of the darkness of her skin, kinkiness of her hair, and her broad nose.
“It always made me wonder if I was good enough,” said Polk.
Seeing her own traumatic childhood memories repeated in following generations of children as young as preschool age bothered Polk.
Bertina Polk’s childcare business teaches children to have confidence in who they are (Courtesy, Bertina Polk)
“It hurts my heart that these babies are going to school not knowing who they are, the importance of their existence, their value, and being proud of their culture and the skin they are in,” said Polk. “I pride myself on the fact that my daycare has a strong emphasis and focus on making sure that our children know that their black is beautiful.”
Polk does this by building a daily childcare routine that focuses on self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-esteem.
“Childhood trauma can turn into adulthood trauma,” said Polk. “Being hurtful and mean to children can ruin self-esteem in the very early stages of life.”
Whether Polk is a winner of a cash prize or not, she considers it a blessing to bring awareness to issues that young African American children encounter. She is also thankful for the opportunity to gather information that will help her grow her business.
“I’ve learned a lot after doing research about the African American culture and how it affects our children in the Early Childhood stages,” said Polk.
If Polk receives a cash prize, she plans to use it to move and expand her childcare facility.
Having located the building she wants for the new facility, Polk is already working with other agencies to provide funding for a playground, educational materials for children, as well as training for staff.
“This will give me the opportunity to grow from the family group daycare into a center, and I’ll be able to provide more services to our community and our African American children,” said Polk.
More than just a business
Reggie Macon, owner of martial arts school Battle Ground JKD LLC, joined the Pitch Black competition after it was suggested to him by a client.
At Battle Ground, Reggie Macon (center) is focused on helping women and children defend themselves (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)
“Of course, the [prize] money sounds good, but I was also intrigued by the information I could potentially get from [the competition],” said Macon. “If anything, I can get some great information on how I can move forward with the business.”
Macon’s primary objective, however, is to share his passion of martial arts with youth and women.
Macon founded Battle Ground out of a desire to keep his two daughters safe. Having recognized and researched the dangers of human trafficking, Macon is focused on using his 17 years of personal training experience to help others learn how to protect themselves.
“I started out training my daughters and training a couple of kids out of my garage, and it kind of went from a passion to something I can see myself doing as a living,” said Macon.
Battle Ground features classes for youth, women’s self-defense, strike classes for MMA boxers, and Sweat It Out Saturdays – a co-ed group of various ages geared toward participants attending with a friend or partner to gain accountability in their weight loss goals.
With countless self-defense and martial arts schools available to the public, Macon differentiates himself by being more hands-on than most.
All ages are welcome at Battle Ground martial arts school (Courtesy, Reggie Macon)
“It’s not just technique and that’s it,” said Macon. “I teach how to read body language, situational awareness, how to create separation to escape in certain instances, and how to build confidence in oneself to know that just because I know how to fight doesn’t mean I have to. I can walk away confidently enough to know I won’t have to cause any harm.”
During the course of the Pitch Black competition training, Macon feels the information contestants have received has been helpful in showing how and what they can apply to their businesses.
“It’s been great information throughout the competition.”
Macon hopes to purchase more safety equipment for the gym if he wins a cash prize, and also to increase marketing for Battle Ground.
“Hopefully Battle Ground will be a household name pretty soon,” Macon said.
Showcase and competition details you don’t want to miss
A business and resource showcase will be held before the competition (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
Prior to the Pitch Black competition there will also be a business and resource showcase featuring all 20 contestants as well as selected organizations that support Black-owned businesses.
The competition and showcase will take place Thursday, Sept. 28 in Loosemore Auditorium at Grand Valley State University’s DeVos Center, 401 W. Fulton Street in Grand Rapids. The showcase opens at 5 p.m. and the competition begins at 6:30 p.m.
Three cash prizes will be presented by the Richard M. and Helen DeVos Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at GVSU. The Grand Prize is $5,000, with a 2nd place prize of $3,500, and a 3rd place prize of $1,500. The prize money can be used for any legitimate business purpose.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged due to space limitations. All audience members are asked to dress in casual black attire.
Blossoming flowers and phenomenal sculptures may seem like all there is to see at Frederik Meijer Gardens, but their annual Chrysanthemums & More! event is now underway displaying thousands of blossoms in artful tapestry.
“View artfully manipulated patterns of chrysanthemums and enjoy a multitude of textures provided by ornamental cabbage, kale, pumpkins, grasses, gourds, and more,” said Steve LaWarre, Vice President of Horticulture.
A mum column stretches high in a multi-colored display (Courtesy, Peter McDaniel)
From Sept. 15 through Oct. 30, florists and civilians from all over Michigan can enjoy the fall air and take part in the largest exhibition of its kind showcasing chrysanthemums, fall foliage and family-friendly activities.
At home in art and nature, many florists in attendance are showing off their skills while weaving a floral tapestry entitled Autumn Tapestry throughout the Gardens.
Amy Gorman, floral manager and wedding coordinator at Horrocks Market located in Kentwood, participates yearly in the event.
“It’s free advertisement,” Gorman said. “We make a beautiful arrangement for them to display throughout the week.”
Gorman’s involvement in floral design first began in high school, and she has worked in floral ever since. For Gorman, it was more than just taking a class.
Gorman’s Chrysanthemums & More! design consists of many different colors; rose, peach, orange, burgundy, and black.
The Glow Garden is a fun evening event for visitors (Courtesy, Frederik Meijer Gardens)
Designs for this event are inspired by geometric patterns, uncommon color combinations, and the repetition of formal garden styles. Each flower has been hand-picked to create the tapestry.
The Grand Entry Garden, Welcome Center, and Gunberg and BISSELL Corridors showcase the tapestry and plantings among the horticulture staff and florists.
Exhibition programs include Fashion and Nature, Sept. 24 from 2-3 p.m.; Weaving with Nature, Oct. 1 from 2-3 p.m.; Fall Family Day, Oct. 7 from 1-4 p.m.; Hallowee-ones, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; and much more.
Enjoy the crisp fall air outdoors and attend the must-see exhibition Fredrik Meijer Gardens has to offer!
Lauren is a senior at Central Michigan University and is studying Broadcast and Cinematic Arts with double minors in Journalism and Communications. She is a radio host for a specialty show on 101.1 The Beat, and is Promotions Video Editor for WCMU Public Media. She loves animals, community service, being on camera, and hopes to become a lifestyle reporter or host after college.
James Smither (left) interviews World War II Navy veterans David “Goldie” Goldsboro and Sid Lenger (Courtesy, WKTV)
By Deborah Reed
deborah@wktv.org
Capturing information and details not officially recorded anywhere else is a job James Smither, Professor of History and Director of the GVSU Veterans History Project (VHP), has undertaken for 15 years.
With well over 1,000 military veteran interviews under his belt, Smither continues to seek out anyone who was in military service from World War II onward who are willing to share their experiences, whether they have seen combat or not.
“If you have been in the U.S. military, we want to talk to you,” said Smither.
All ages of veterans welcome
WWII Navy veteran Don Morell spoke with Smither in 2018 (Courtesy, WKTV)
Smither said he has noticed a trend of veterans wanting to make sense of their military experiences approximately 40 years after the conflict.
“WWII veterans really began talking a lot about it in the 80s, Vietnam vets mostly in the past 20 years,” said Smither. “But a lot of the (veterans) who have been through Iraq or Afghanistan, for a lot of them it is probably still too soon.”
Many recent veterans also don’t consider their experiences as part of history, or consider what they did as important.
“They don’t think of what they did as being part of history, but when I get them, it’s great because they remember a lot of stuff,” said Smither. “And those who say they ‘didn’t really do anything,’ after a few questions, it quickly becomes apparent that a story is there.”
More than just fact-finding
But Smither views the VHP as more than just a fact-finding mission.
“We see our job as giving veterans a way of telling their story, and telling it in the way they want to tell it,” said Smither. “The whole story, or as much as they want to tell.”
Air Force veteran Mike Sutton shared his military experiences with Smither in 2019 (Courtesy, WKTV)
Smither said that veterans are not required to talk about things they don’t want to talk about. They have full control over their own content.
“We do our best to make it as easy for them as possible, and to treat everybody and their stories with respect,” said Smither. “For a lot of them, they are working through their experience. Sometimes I am the first person they have told the whole story to.”
Interviews range from veterans who have previously held back from talking about their experiences, and some who have told bits and pieces but never tried to put their entire story together.
Smither said that veterans appreciate talking to someone who understands military language and with reasonable knowledge of wartime events because the veterans often remember things but don’t know why those things happened (the context of the situation) or how they wound up that particular situation.
Gaining background information from Smither, or having him bring a different perspective, has often helped veterans find clarity.
“People who haven’t talked about it, I can help them tell their story,” said Smither. “And even people who do talk about it sometimes, I can help them put it together and make sense.”
Smither has encountered veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) who have said the interview process was helpful and that they found peace and healing by telling their stories.
“You help them get control over their stories, and [for] some of them, it helps them process the trauma,” said Smither.
“On a basic level, it’s a teaching tool,” said Smither. “You can imagine what warfare is like, but unless you are in it yourself, you tend to have a more abstract or sanitized view of the reality of how bad it is. It doesn’t ever really sink in.”
Hauenstein Center GVSU Ford Museum Veterans Day 2021 (Courtesy Photo)
With the VHP interviews, viewers get a very different picture of a soldier’s experience than would be portrayed in journalistic reports and official records.
“There’s this whole layer of human experience that you get in these interviews that doesn’t have a place otherwise,” said Smither.
Another value to the VHP’s interviews is preservation of historical information.
“There is a huge amount of historical information out there that gets lost if you don’t [record it] that can help people get a better understanding of reality,” said Smither.
Fully invested in a career path he never saw coming
“I originally trained as a conventional European historian,” said Smither. “I was the Renaissance Reformation guy at Grand Valley when I got there in 1990. But I always had an interest in military history and developed a course in military history.”
In 2003, Smither was contacted by an oral historian working with a local group to establish a military museum. The intent was to record interviews with local veterans and post them online in conjunction with the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.
Grand Valley State University Professor James Smither, head of the GVSU Veterans History Project, has dedicated 15 years of his life to telling veterans’ stories (Courtesy, GVSU Veterans History Project)
The hope was to “catch up” with World War II veterans before they were all gone.
“I met [the oral historian] in the summer of 2003, and a couple of months later he had me onstage with four DDay veterans, helping them tell their stories in front of a live audience,” said Smither.
One of those veterans was Ralph Hauenstein, part of Eisenhower’s intelligence staff.
When the museum group folded in 2005, Smither – as chairman of the GVSU History Department – was tasked with continuing the interviews and archiving all completed interviews. Smither knew a lot of background facts about the veterans’ stories and realized he could apply that knowledge.
Since 2008, Smither has completed over 100 veteran interviews at WKTV.
“I have been all over the place for interviews, but WKTV has been a regular home for the project and does good quality studio shoots,” said Smither.
WKTV General Manager Tom Norton said, “WKTV Community Media is pleased to have played a role with Dr. Smithers, GVSU, and the Library of Congress for all these years, and to be the resource for recording the oral history of our veterans.”
A life-changing experience
Being part of the Veterans History Project has had a profound effect on Smither.
“On a basic level, doing this transformed my own career,” said Smither. “When I was doing 16th French history, there was always something missing. I was never quite sure what it was. I didn’t have a really good feel for the significance of what I was doing.
Veterans’ stories have a lasting impact (Courtesy, www.pxhere.com)
“Then,” Smither continued, “when I started working with veterans, I realized that this is what I’m supposed to be doing.”
Smither has also noticed he now has a form of PTSD.
“You absorb a lot of the trauma and psychological damage that these people suffer because you are listening to the telling of these harrowing stories,” said Smither. “You are living it while they are telling it to you.”
Smither admitted that some things he once found appealing, such as action/adventure movies and game simulation warfare, are no longer of interest to him.
“It does take its toll in a certain sort of way, and changes your perspective on certain things,” said Smither.
But Smither has no plans to back away from helping veterans tell their stories.
“If we don’t record these things and make them available, then all of that knowledge and all of that information is lost,” Smither said. “What (veterans) did, did matter.”
If you are a veteran and would be willing to share your experiences, please contact James Smither at: smitherj@gvsu.edu or 616-331-3422.
Lt. Cmdr. Alexander Degelder, a “Golden Warrior” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, piloted an F/A-18E Super Hornet on the flight deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford (Courtesy, Petty Officer 2nd Class Nolan Pennington DVIDS)
Provided by U.S. Navy Outreach
deborah@wktv.org
U.S. Navy sailors serve and protect from around the globe, and every sailor got their start somewhere.
Lt. Cmdr. Alexander Degelder from Grand Rapids, MI, assigned to the “Golden Warriors” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, piloted an F/A-18E Super Hornet on the flight deck of the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea on Aug. 30.
Gerald R. Ford is the U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced aircraft carrier, representing a generational leap in the U.S. Navy’s capacity to project power on a global scale.
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.
An online survey and in-person events are scheduled as part of transit master planning process (Courtesy, The Rapid)
By WKTV Staff
deborah@wktv.org
The TMP will help build a community-led transit system (Courtesy, Thriving)
The Rapid is asking for community input on the future of transit as part of its Transit Master Plan (TMP).
Titled “Thriving: A framework for the future of connectivity,” the TMP seeks to identify what the public needs from The Rapid and general transportation in both the short and long term.
Individuals can participate through an online survey or by attending an in-person community engagement workshop from now until Dec. 8. This feedback will help The Rapid strategically build a community-led transit system for the next 20 years.
Everyone in the region is encouraged to participate, regardless of whether they use public transportation or not. The study area for this project extends well beyond The Rapid’s service zone with the intent to garner feedback from individuals who currently don’t have access to The Rapid.
Public transportation users as well as non-public transportation users are invited to participate in the survey (Courtesy, Thriving)
“As our region grows, so does the need to expand transit options,” said The Rapid CEO Deb Prato. “We need to create a plan that outlines how public transportation will meet the needs of all our residents. Gathering feedback from everyone, both users and nonusers, is crucial to the success of this plan.”
There will be an in-person open house event Thursday, Oct. 19 at Rapid Central Station, 250 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids. There will be three sessions: 7 to 9 a.m., 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m.
Once the public engagement period ends on Dec. 8, The Rapid and TMP project consultants from internationally recognized firm AECOM will develop the roadmap for implementing, improving and potentially expanding transit options in the future.
